After winning seven LPGA events in 2011, Rolex Rankings No. 1 Yani Tseng will find herself in position to defend a title quite often this season. And this week kicks off Tseng’s LPGA title defense as she looks to repeat for a second straight year at the Honda LPGA Thailand. LPGA.com caught up with her for a quick Q&A. Tseng talks about the key to playing well this week, what she's working on and what she likes to do while in Thailand..

LPGA: Can you talk a little bit about what it means for you to be the defending champion and how do you approach it?
TSENG: Always very happy to be back here. It’s kind of my routine every time I come back to Thailand to pray at Chidlom and wish for a great year. We’ve got a very strong field this year. I’ve been working really hard throughout the offseason and last week in Australia so I’m excited to see how things go this week.

LPGA: What is the key to playing well at Siam Country Club?
TSENG: At the start of the season you just try to be patient and not try to hard. It’s a great golf course. The greens were really fast. The thing is it is really hot so you have to stay cool and be patient. It’s easy to lose your focus. When I play that tournament I just keep to myself. I play one shot at a time and try to stay relaxed and focused.

LPGA: Could you just give us some of your thoughts about being back here in Thailand.
TSENG: It’s always great to be back in Thailand and to be the defending champion. I played the course already and it’s in great condition. I can’t wait to get out and make lots of birdies.

LPGA: Yani, I read that you’ve been working on your swing. Why did you decide that you needed to change your swing?
TSENG: I decided that I needed a little more consistency. I want to hit it straighter and improve my driving accuracy. I want to make more putts. I just want to improve every part of my game. I have been working with my coach Gary Gilchrist the last few months, like 3-4 times a week to get my swing improved and I think I’m hitting more consistently now.

LPGA: Yani, have you gotten longer?
TSENG: No. But I did get straighter. I think irons maybe a little bit but not driver.

LPGA: Yani, how hard is it to be a defending champion?
TSENG: I try not to think too much about it and just enjoy it. Last year has already passed. This new is a new year, a new tournament so you don’t try to think about the past. I am going to try to make as many birdies as I can on this golf course starting tomorrow.

LPGA:What are your favorite things to do while in Thailand?
TSENG: I always go to the four faced Budha before I go there. I go pray first, wish I have a great year and win the tournament. I’ve been doing that for many years. The foot massages there are the best. We get foot massages every day and we’ll go site seeing on the beach.

Tseng shares the keys to playing well this week

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